The Old Country Store in Moultonborough, NH | Photos

One of the oldest establishments of its kind in the U.S., the Old Country Store in Moultonborough, NH, is a historical must-visit in the Lakes Region.

By Cathryn McCann|Jun 28 2018|

The Old Country Store & Museum | Moultonborough, NH

The Old Country Store & Museum | Moultonborough, NH

Credit: Cathryn McCann

Since its debut in 1781, the building housing the Old Country Store in Moultonborough, NH, has been the site of not just a store but also town meetings, a library, a post office, a stage stop, and a museum. Considered to be among the oldest businesses of its kind in the country, the Old Country Store is certainly a beloved destination in the Lakes Region town of Moultonborough. The can’t-miss yellow building, with its welcoming wraparound porch and red shutters, is a fond memory for many a visitor. Tourists and locals alike spend time in the store perusing local goods and vintage items, while children (and adults, too) fill up baggies with bright penny candy. Wander the store’s long aisles, back rooms, and nooks, and you’ll find everything from Coca-Cola lunch boxes, road signs, and coffee mugs to aged cheddar, maple syrup, and every flavor of jelly and jam imaginable. Upstairs, there’s a small museum full of history, antique goods, and local treasures. Take some time in the Old Country Store, and you’ll likely leave with some fun goods you never knew you needed, a deeper sense of local history, and, yes, a bag of candy.

Exploring the Old Country Store & Museum | Moultonborough, NH

The Old Country Store & Museum | Moultonborough, NH — The Old Country Store is a beautiful yellow building in the town of Moultonborough, NH.
Credit: Cathryn McCann

The Old Country Store is in a beautiful yellow building in the town of Moultonborough, NH.
Credit: Cathryn McCann

The Old Country Store & Museum | Moultonborough, NH — Near Sandwich and Tuftonboro (Melvin Village) Moultonborough, NH, is a part of the beautiful Lakes Region.
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A vintage sign points the way to the nearby Lakes Region towns of Sandwich and Tuftonboro (Melvin Village).
Credit: Cathryn McCann

The Old Country Store & Museum | Moultonborough, NH — The Old Country Store has an inviting wraparound porch perfect for enjoying a snack on a summer day.
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Credit: Cathryn McCann

The long bench on the wraparound porch is perfect for enjoying a snack on a summer day.
Credit: Cathryn McCann

The Old Country Store & Museum | Moultonborough, NH — Even the back of the building is beautifully vintage.
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Even the back of the building has a vintage flair.
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The Old Country Store & Museum | Moultonborough, NH — Weigh and pay for candy at The Old Country Store.
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Inside, you’ll find a sweet tooth’s heaven.
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The Old Country Store & Museum | Moultonborough, NH — Not fond of candy? There are other sweets like this Penuche Nut fudge.
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Tempting treats include homemade fudge in flavors such as peanut butter and penuche nut.
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The Old Country Store & Museum | Moultonborough, NH — But for those who are fond of candy, there’s more than enough to choose from.
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Prefer candy? There’s more than enough to choose from.
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The Old Country Store & Museum | Moultonborough, NH — A store associate works behind the counter, weighing candy and ringing up customers.
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Old-fashioned lamps behind the counter add to the nostalgic glow.
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The Old Country Store & Museum | Moultonborough, NH — There are vintage goods throughout the store, like these fun Coca-Cola lunchboxes.
Credit: Cathryn McCann
Among the vintage goods and reproductions you’ll find throughout the store are these fun Coca-Cola lunch boxes.
Credit: Cathryn McCann

The Old Country Store & Museum | Moultonborough, NH — The Old Country Store is a great place for those who love living in or visiting New Hampshire.

Credit: Cathryn McCann
The Old Country Store is a great place for those who love living in or visiting New Hampshire.
Credit: Cathryn McCann

The Old Country Store & Museum | Moultonborough, NH — The upstair’s museum is full of antiques and history.
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The upstairs museum is full of antiques and history.
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The Old Country Store & Museum | Moultonborough, NH — Moxie is a classic New England brand.
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An old advertisement for Moxie, a classic New England brand.
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Summer beverages of the past. — Summer beverages of the past.
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A relic of summer beverages from days gone by.
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The Old Country Store & Museum | Moultonborough, NH — Imagine yourself in the past at The Old Country Store and Museum.
Credit: Cathryn McCann
The Old Country Store still retains reminders of its many roles through history.
Credit: Cathryn McCann

Have you ever been to the Old Country Store & Museum in Moultonborough, NH? This post was first published in 2017 and has been updated.

SEE MORE: Zeb’s General Store in North Conway, NH | Photos Favorite Lake Winnipesaukee Cabin Rentals Wolfeboro, New Hampshire | Could You Live Here?

Cathryn McCann

While on staff as digital assistant editor, Cathryn wrote and promoted content for NewEngland.com and its social media channels. Prior to this role, she lived and worked on Martha’s Vineyard as a newspaper reporter, covering everything from environmental issues and education to crime and politics.

More by Cathryn McCann

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Ray says:

August 23, 2017 at 9:56 am

Been here 100 times – when we visit Moultonborough, we HAVE to stop in at the Old Store…

Reply
Linda Charron says:

August 23, 2017 at 10:54 am

Do not forget the great dill pickles. We come up to NH from CT every Sept. and have to go to the country store for the great pickles. YUM YUM

Reply
Pami says:

August 23, 2017 at 3:18 pm

I spent every summer – from the late 1940s until 1978 – over on Squam Lake and then Ctr. Sandwich … I have very very fond memories of heading to the store for the penny candy (very difficult decisions over choices), an ice cream cone, a dill pickle out of the barrel, checking out the bee hive.When I was old enough – I had ventured over on my bicycle and a car (when I was old enough). Ahhhh … those were the days, my friend !!!!

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Reader SWEIGART says:

June 28, 2018 at 9:14 am

It would be great if you included addresses for those of us who GPS everyhthing!

Reply
Michael Berry says:

July 22, 2018 at 11:23 am

As a kid, we vacationed (from SC) in the Lakes Region NH every summer for 2 weeks to visit family. The Old Country Store in Moultonborough was a yearly tradition. My brother an I always enjoyed the candy and ice cream. Great place and great memories!

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Ron Jones says:

June 3, 2022 at 8:53 am

In 1963 my parents(Ken and Janet Smith) purchased and operated the Country Fare Inn in Moultonborough just down the hill from the Old Country Store. Moving from New Jersey, everything discovered was a new adventure. I vividly remember going to pick up the mail at the Post Office that was attached to the Old Country Store and dealing with ‘Jessie’ who was always kind and had a great smile. Those were the days!

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Judi Beatty says:

August 15, 2022 at 11:55 am

I just called the store to find out about Wrought Iron Pulls, and quickly got pictures, with pricing, in a matter of minutes. Great merchandise, and customer service, at reasonable prices, and charm, charm, charm on top of it all!!!

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